Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear or any type of stuffed animal to toss on the ice following the Gladiators' first goal of the game.

The stuffed animals will be collected and distributed to various children's charities and pediatric medical facilities in metro Atlanta and across North Georgia.

"We are extremely proud of the enduring support this community provides to our "Teddy Bear Toss" game each and every season," said Gladiators Team President Steve Chapman. "The overwhelming response year in and year out has been simply heartwarming and has allowed us to continue assisting so many deserving organizations that do such amazing work on behalf of children."

The annual Teddy Bear Toss has been able to collect and distribute more than 50,000 stuffed animals over the past nine years and the team is looking forward to helping facilities across the area this year. A select number of animals will be pre-allocated this year to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. A select number of stuffed animals set to go there will be put aside upon entry to the arena to protect their sanitary condition from exposure after being tossed on the ice.